The Israeli military issued a warning on Saturday urging residents in the northern Gaza region known as “D5” to move south due to ongoing military operations against terrorist organizations.
The message, shared by the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson, emphasized that D5, a mapped area by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is now a dangerous combat zone.
Residents were directed to evacuate via Salah al-Din Road to a designated “humanitarian area” in al-Mawasi, though the area itself has been heavily impacted by airstrikes, and overcrowding presents its own risks.
Meanwhile, Hamas has discouraged evacuation, telling northern Gaza residents that the south is equally perilous and warning that those who leave may not be able to return.
Despite the constant bombardment, some residents remain in the north, often to care for vulnerable family members or due to ties to Hamas. Others have tried to evade IDF operations by relocating within northern Gaza, though the IDF is restricting movement to the south.
The conflict has made reporting difficult, with journalists barred from Gaza except for limited, supervised access. Palestinian journalists continue to work under dangerous conditions, with 128 media workers reported killed since the war began.
Civilians attempting to flee often face additional dangers, including allegations that the IDF has targeted non-combatants, though Israeli forces deny violating international humanitarian law.
Hospitals in northern Gaza are also under pressure, with dwindling fuel supplies and attacks on medical facilities worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
